Rutte addressed the evolving security environment and the growing threats and challenges facing the Alliance. He emphasised the role of a strong and innovative defence industry in strengthening NATO’s capabilities.
In that context, Rutte underlined ASELSAN’s achievements and its contribution to Türkiye’s defence industrial transformation. He referred to his recent visit to the company’s facilities in Ankara.
Thank you to Secretary General of NATO, Mr. Mark Rutte for honoring us with his visit and for his remarks on ASELSAN’s strength.
We remain committed to contributing to the global security with our cutting-edge technologies. @NATO @SecGenNATO #ASELSAN #SecuringBeyond pic.twitter.com/QdwkIvyGnW
— Ahmet Akyol (@AhmetAkyol) June 25, 2026
“This spring, I spoke with talented young engineers at ASELSAN, Türkiye’s largest defense electronics company. They are driving Türkiye’s defense industrial revolution, which will benefit every member of our Alliance.”
ASELSAN hosted Rutte at its Gölbaşı Technology Base in Ankara in April 2026. The company described itself as Türkiye’s leading defence company and Europe’s fifth most valuable defence firm.
During the visit, ASELSAN presented its portfolio of advanced, multi-domain defence solutions. The programme covered capabilities across air defence, drone defence, land systems, naval technologies, electronic warfare and unmanned aerial vehicle payloads.
ASELSAN also showcased its Steel Dome multi-layered air defence architecture. The company said the visit highlighted its integrated, system-level approach to meeting the evolving requirements of modern warfare.
Rutte also met ASELSAN’s young engineers during the visit. ASELSAN said the meeting underlined the company’s focus on innovation, technological development and human capital.
The programme included a review of ASELSAN’s advanced serial production capabilities. The NATO delegation toured manufacturing facilities and final assembly lines where key components of the Steel Dome architecture and flagship systems across the company’s core technology areas were presented.
ASELSAN said the visit demonstrated its ability to deliver interoperable, scalable and mission-ready defence solutions. The company said these capabilities are supported by high-technology manufacturing capacity and engineering expertise.
The remarks came ahead of the NATO Leaders’ Summit scheduled to be held in Ankara in July. ASELSAN framed the visit and Rutte’s comments as recognition of Türkiye’s defence electronics sector and its contribution to Alliance capability.
